Normally, the idea behind cloud computing means getting rid of your data center and letting a third party like Microsoft host you data and applications. However, Microsoft's also pushing to dominate the private cloud model. Private clouds enable companies to keep servers and equipment on premise, but it's more standardized, secure, and they can use Microsoft's cloud platform to develop and host new applications. At the conference, Microsoft made it clear they're serious about dominating the private cloud market. The company introduced both Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) and Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) as hardware launch partners, and an eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) representative came on stage to promote the company's extensive use of Microsoft cloud offerings.
Also, almost all of Microsoft's business programs like Exchange for email, SharePoint for collaboration, and Office can now be hosted on the web, or have web based tie-ins. Microsoft is pushing tie-ins between the programs to make them work better together. It's an end-to-end solution that exceeds the ambitions of competitors, and through Microsoft's continued focus on its Dynamics line-ups, the competition with Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) and salesforce.com(NYSE: CRM).
So when Bleeker looks at Microsoft, they appear to be coming from a position of strength. The tie-ins between programs probably won't appeal as much to large businesses, especially those who consult with third parties like IBM (NYSE: IBM) that have their own competing solutions. However, there's better opportunity in small- and medium-size businesses where Bleeker feels Microsoft is extremely competitive.
To see Bleeker's thoughts on the subject, click on the video below: